Container for delivery of fluid to ophthalmic surgical handpiece

ABSTRACT

A container for delivery of a surgical fluid to a surgical handpiece is disclosed. The container includes a volume for receiving the surgical fluid to be delivered to the handpiece and an end for removably engaging a receptacle in a surgical console and for fluidly coupling with a source of pressurized fluid in a surgical console.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to ophthalmic surgery and moreparticularly to the liquefracture technique of cataract surgery. Theinvention also generally pertains to a container for the delivery ofsurgical fluids to ophthalmic microsurgical systems and moreparticularly to such containers for use with a liquefracture handpiece.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] The human eye in its simplest terms functions to provide visionby transmitting light through a clear outer portion called the cornea,and focusing the image by way of the lens onto the retina. The qualityof the focused image depends on many factors including the size andshape of the eye, and the transparency of the cornea and lens.

[0003] When age or disease causes the lens to become less transparent,vision deteriorates because of the diminished light which can betransmitted to the retina. This deficiency in the lens of the eye ismedically known as a cataract. An accepted treatment for this conditionis surgical removal of the lens and replacement of the lens function byan artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

[0004] In the United States, the majority of cataractous lenses areremoved by a surgical technique called phacoemulsification. During thisprocedure, a thin phacoemulsification cutting tip is inserted into thediseased lens and vibrated ultrasonically. The vibrating cutting tipliquefies or emulsifies the lens so that the lens may be aspirated outof the eye. The diseased lens, once removed, is replaced by anartificial lens.

[0005] A typical ultrasonic surgical device suitable for ophthalmicprocedures consists of an ultrasonically driven handpiece, an attachedcutting tip, an irrigating sleeve, and an electronic control console.The handpiece assembly is attached to the control console by an electriccable and flexible tubings. Through the electric cable, the consolevaries the power level transmitted by the handpiece to the attachedcutting tip and the flexible tubings supply irrigation fluid to and drawaspiration fluid from the eye through the handpiece assembly.

[0006] The operative part of the handpiece is a centrally located,hollow resonating bar or horn directly attached to a set ofpiezoelectric crystals. The crystals supply the required ultrasonicvibration needed to drive both the horn and the attached cutting tipduring phacoemulsification and are controlled by the console. Thecrystal/horn assembly is suspended within the hollow body or shell ofthe handpiece by flexible mountings. The handpiece body terminates in areduced diameter portion or nosecone at the body's distal end. Thenosecone is externally threaded to accept the irrigation sleeve.Likewise, the horn bore is internally threaded at its distal end toreceive the external threads of the cutting tip. The irrigation sleevealso has an internally threaded bore that is screwed onto the externalthreads of the nosecone. The cutting tip is adjusted so that the tipprojects only a predetermined amount past the open end of the irrigatingsleeve. Ultrasonic handpieces and cutting tips are more fully describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,589,363; 4,223,676; 4,246,902; 4,493,694; 4,515,583;4,589,415; 4,609,368; 4,869,715; 4,922,902; 4,989,583; 5,154,694 and5,359,996, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

[0007] In use, the ends of the cutting tip and irrigating sleeve areinserted into a small incision of predetermined width in the cornea,sclera, or other location. The cutting tip is ultrasonically vibratedalong its longitudinal axis within the irrigating sleeve by thecrystal-driven ultrasonic horn, thereby emulsifying the selected tissuein situ. The hollow bore of the cutting tip communicates with the borein the horn that in turn communicates with the aspiration line from thehandpiece to the console. A reduced pressure or vacuum source in theconsole draws or aspirates the emulsified tissue from the eye throughthe open end of the cutting tip, the cutting tip and horn bores, and theaspiration line and into a collection device. The aspiration ofemulsified tissue is aided by a saline flushing solution or irrigantthat is injected into the surgical site through the small annular gapbetween the inside surface of the irrigating sleeve and the cutting tip.

[0008] Recently, a new cataract removal technique has been developedthat involves the injection of hot (approximately 45° C. to 105° C.)water or saline to liquefy or gellate the hard lens nucleus, therebymaking it possible to aspirate the liquefied lens from the eye.Aspiration is conducted concurrently with the injection of the heatedsolution and the injection of a relatively cool solution, therebyquickly cooling and removing the heated solution. This technique is morefully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,120 (Andrew, et al.), the entirecontent of which is incorporated herein by reference. The apparatusdisclosed in the publication, however, heats the solution separatelyfrom the surgical handpiece. Temperature control of the heated solutioncan be difficult because the fluid tubings feeding the handpiecetypically are up to two meters long, and the heated solution can coolconsiderably as it travels down the length of the tubing.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,243 (Capetan, et al.) discloses a handpiecehaving a separate pumping mechanism and resistive heating element. Sucha structure adds unnecessary complexity to the handpiece.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,848 (Sussman et al.), which is incorporatedin its entirety by this reference, discloses liquefracture handpieces.In the liquefracture technique of cataract removal, the cataractous lensis liquefied or emulsified by repetitive pulses of a surgical fluid thatare discharged from the handpiece. The liquefied lens may then beaspirated from the eye. Since the surgical fluid is actually used toliquefy the cataractous lens, a consistent, pressurized source ofsurgical fluid is important to the success of the liquefracturetechnique. In addition, different surgical fluids may be advantageousfor the removal of different hardness of cataracts or for variouspatient conditions.

[0011] Therefore, a need exists for a simple and reliable container andmethod of delivering a surgical fluid used to perform the liquefracturetechnique.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is directed to a container for delivery ofa surgical fluid to a surgical handpiece. The container generallyincludes a first portion or body, and a second portion or deformableliner. The first portion is made from a deformable material and has aclosed end, an open end, an outer surface, and a first volume forreceiving a surgical fluid for delivery to a surgical handpiece. Thesecond portion is made from a material more rigid than the deformablematerial and has a first end, a second end, an outer surface, an innersurface, a transverse wall having a first side and a second side, and asecond volume receiving the first portion. The first end has an outletfor delivery of the surgical fluid. The first side of the transversewall has an aperture for receiving a pressurized fluid between the outersurface of the first portion and the inner surface of the secondportion. The second side of the transverse wall has an area forremovably engaging a source of the pressurized fluid so that the sourceof the pressurized fluid is in fluid communication with the aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, andfor further objects and advantages thereof, reference is made to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a front, upper, left perspective view of a firstpreferred embodiment of the handpiece of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a rear, upper, right perspective view of the handpieceof FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the handpiece of FIG. 1 takenalong a plane passing through the irrigation channel.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the handpiece of FIG. 1 takenalong a plane passing through the aspiration channel.

[0018]FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of thehandpiece of FIG. 1 taken at circle 5 in FIG. 4.

[0019]FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of thehandpiece of FIG. 1 taken at circle 6 in FIG. 3.

[0020]FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the handpiece ofFIG. 1 taken at circle 7 in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second preferredembodiment of the handpiece of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of thehandpiece of FIG. 8 taken at circle 9 in FIG. 8.

[0023]FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the pumpingchamber used in the handpiece of FIG. 8 taken at circle 10 in FIG. 9.

[0024]FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a third preferredembodiment of the handpiece of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of thehandpiece of FIG. 11 taken at circle 12 in FIG. 11.

[0026]FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the pumpingchamber used in the handpiece of FIG. 11.

[0027]FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a control system that can be usedwith the handpiece of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 15 is a front, right perspective view of a container for thedelivery of a surgical fluid to an ophthalmic surgical handpieceaccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 16 is a sectional, perspective view of the container of FIG.15 along line 16-16.

[0030]FIG. 17 is longitudinal, sectional view of the container of FIG.15 taken along a plane passing through a raised surface of a secondtransverse wall of the container.

[0031]FIG. 18 is a rear, right perspective view of the container of FIG.15.

[0032]FIG. 19 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a receptaclein a surgical console for receiving the container of FIG. 15.

[0033]FIG. 20 is a side, sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 19along line 20-20.

[0034]FIG. 21 is a longitudinal, sectional view of the container of FIG.15 during the discharge of surgical fluid from the container.

[0035]FIG. 22 is a longitudinal, sectional view of a container for thedelivery of a surgical fluid to an ophthalmic surgical handpieceaccording to a second preferred embodiment of the present inventiontaken along a plane passing through a raised surface of a transversewall of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The preferred embodiments of the present invention and theiradvantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1-22 of thedrawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts ofthe various drawings.

[0037] Handpiece 10 of the present invention generally includeshandpiece body 12 and operative tip 16. Body 12 generally includesexternal irrigation tube 18 and aspiration fitting 20. Body 12 issimilar in construction to well-known in the art phacoemulsificationhandpieces and may be made from plastic, titanium or stainless steel. Asbest seen in FIG. 6, operative tip 16 includes tip/cap sleeve 26, needle28 and tube 30. Sleeve 26 may be any suitable commercially availablephacoemulsification tip/cap sleeve or sleeve 26 may be incorporated intoother tubes as a multi-lumen tube. Needle 28 may be any commerciallyavailable hollow phacoemulsification cutting tip, such as theTURBOSONICS tip available from Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth,Tex. Tube 30 may be any suitably sized tube to fit within needle 28, forexample 29 gauge hypodermic needle tubing.

[0038] As best seen in FIG. 5, tube 30 is free on the distal end andconnected to pumping chamber 42 on the proximal end. Tube 30 and pumpingchamber 42 may be sealed fluid tight by any suitable means having arelatively high melting point, such as a silicone gasket, glass frit orsilver solder. Fitting 44 holds tube 30 within bore 48 of aspirationhorn 46. Bore 48 communicates with fitting 20, which is journaled intohorn 46 and sealed with O-ring seal 50 to form an aspiration pathwaythrough horn 46 and out fitting 20. Horn 46 is held within body 12 byO-ring seal 56 to form irrigation tube 52 which communicates withirrigation tube 18 at port 54.

[0039] As best seen in FIG. 7, in a first embodiment of the presentinvention, pumping chamber 42 contains a relatively large pumpingreservoir 43 that is sealed on both ends by electrodes 45 and 47.Electrical power is supplied to electrodes 45 and 47 by insulated wires,not shown. In use, surgical fluid (e.g. saline irrigating solution)enters reservoir 43 through port 55, tube 34 and check valve 53, checkvalves 53 being well-known in the art. Electrical current (preferablyRadio Frequency Alternating Current or RFAC) is delivered to and acrosselectrodes 45 and 47 because of the conductive nature of the surgicalfluid. As the current flows through the surgical fluid, the surgicalfluid boils. As the surgical fluid boils, it expands rapidly out ofpumping chamber 42 through port 57 and into tube 30 (check valve 53prevents the expanding fluid from entering tube 34). The expanding gasbubble pushes the surgical fluid in tube 30 downstream of pumpingchamber 42 forward. Subsequent pulses of electrical current formsequential gas bubbles that move surgical fluid down tube 30. The sizeand pressure of the fluid pulse obtained by pumping chamber 42 can bevaried by varying the length, timing and/or power of the electricalpulse sent to electrodes 45 and 47 and by varying the dimensions ofreservoir 43. In addition, the surgical fluid may be preheated prior toentering pumping chamber 42. Preheating the surgical fluid will decreasethe power required by pumping chamber 42 and/or increase the speed atwhich pressure pulses can be generated.

[0040] As best seen in FIGS. 8-10, in a second embodiment of the presentinvention, handpiece 110 generally includes body 112, having powersupply cable 113, irrigation/aspiration lines 115, and pumping chambersupply line 117. Distal end 111 of handpiece 110 contains pumpingchamber 142 having a reservoir 143 formed between electrodes 145 and147. Electrodes 145 and 147 are preferably made from aluminum, titanium,carbon or other similarly conductive materials and are electricallyinsulated from each other and body 112 by anodized layer 159 formed onelectrodes 145 and 147. Anodized layer 159 is less conductive thanuntreated aluminum and thus, acts as an electrical insulator. Electrodes145 and 147 and electrical terminals 161 and 163 are not anodized andthus, are electrically conductive. Layer 159 may be formed by anysuitable anodization technique, well-known in the art, and electrodes145 and 147 and electrical terminals 161 and 163 may be masked duringanodization or machined after anodization to expose bare aluminum.Electrical power is supplied to electrodes 145 and 147 through terminals161 and 163 and wires 149 and 151, respectively. Fluid is supplied toreservoir 143 though supply line 117 and check valve 153. Extendingdistally from pumping chamber 142 is outer tube 165 that coaxiallysurrounds aspiration tube 167. Tubes 165 and 167 may be of similarconstruction as tube 30. Tube 167 is of slightly smaller diameter thantube 165, thereby forming an annular passage or gap 169 between tube 165and tube 167. Annular gap 169 fluidly communicates with reservoir 143.

[0041] In use, surgical fluid enters reservoir 143 through supply line117 and check valve 153. Electrical current is delivered to and acrosselectrodes 145 and 147 because of the conductive nature of the surgicalfluid. As the current flows through the surgical fluid, the surgicalfluid boils. As the surgical fluid boils, it expands rapidly out ofpumping chamber 142 through annular gap 169. The expanding gas bubblepushes forward the surgical fluid in annular gap 169 downstream ofpumping chamber 142. Subsequent pulses of electrical current formsequential gas bubbles that move or propel the surgical fluid downannular gap 169.

[0042] One skilled in the art will recognize that the numbering in FIGS.8-10 is identical to the numbering in FIGS. 1-7 except for the additionof “100” in FIGS. 8-10.

[0043] As best seen in FIGS. 11-13, in a third embodiment of the presentinvention, handpiece 210 generally includes body 212, having powersupply cable 213, irrigation/aspiration lines 215, and pumping chambersupply line 217. Distal end 211 of handpiece 210 contains pumpingchamber 242 having a reservoir 243 formed between electrodes 245 and247. Electrodes 245 and 247 are preferably made from aluminum andelectrically insulated from each other and body 212 by anodized layer259 formed on electrodes 245 and 247. Anodized layer 259 is lessconductive than untreated aluminum and thus, acts as an electricalinsulator. Electrodes 245 and 247 and electrical terminals 261 and 263are not anodized and thus, are electrically conductive. Layer 259 may beformed by any suitable anodization technique, well-known in the art, andelectrodes 245 and 247 and electrical terminals 261 and 263 may bemasked during anodization or machined after anodization to expose barealuminum. Electrical power is supplied to electrodes 245 and 247 throughterminals 261 and 263 and wires 249 and 251, respectively. Fluid issupplied to reservoir 243 though supply line 217 and check valve 253.Extending distally from pumping chamber 242 is outer tube 265 thatcoaxially surrounds aspiration tube 267. Tubes 265 and 267 may be ofsimilar construction as tube 30. Tube 267 is of slightly smallerdiameter than tube 265, thereby forming an annular passage or gap 269between tube 265 and tube 267. Annular gap 269 fluidly communicates withreservoir 243.

[0044] In use, surgical fluid enters reservoir 243 through supply line217 and check valve 253. Electrical current is delivered to and acrosselectrodes 245 and 247 because of the conductive nature of the surgicalfluid. As the current flows through the surgical fluid, the surgicalfluid boils. The current flow progresses from the smaller electrode gapsection to the larger electrode gap section, i.e., from the region oflowest electrical resistance to the region of higher electricalresistance. The boiling wavefront also progresses from the smaller tothe larger end of electrode 247. As the surgical fluid boils, it expandsrapidly out of pumping chamber 242 through annular gap 269. Theexpanding gas bubble pushes forward the surgical fluid in annular gap269 downstream of pumping chamber 242. Subsequent pulses of electricalcurrent form sequential gas bubbles that move or propel the surgicalfluid down annular gap 269.

[0045] One skilled in the art will recognize that the numbering in FIGS.11-13 is identical to the numbering in FIGS. 1-7 except for the additionof “200” in FIGS. 11-13.

[0046] While several embodiments of the handpiece of the presentinvention are disclosed, any handpiece producing adequate pressure pulseforce, temperature, rise time and frequency may also be used. Forexample, any handpiece producing a pressure pulse force of between 0.02grams and 20.0 grams, with a rise time of between 1 gram/sec and 20,000grams/sec and a frequency of between 1 Hz and 200 Hz may be used, withbetween 10 Hz and 100 Hz being most preferred. The pressure pulse forceand frequency will vary with the hardness of the material being removed.For example, the inventors have found that a lower frequency with ahigher pulse force is most efficient at debulking and removing therelatively hard nuclear material, with a higher frequency and lowerpulse force being useful in removing softer epinuclear and corticalmaterial. Infusion pressure, aspiration flow rate and vacuum limit aresimilar to current phacoemulsification techniques.

[0047] As seen in FIG. 10, one embodiment of control system 300 for usein operating handpiece 310 includes control module 347, power gain RFamplifier 312 and function generator 314. Power is supplied to RFamplifier 312 by DC power supply 316, which preferably is an isolated DCpower supply operating at several hundred volts, but typically ±200volts. Control module 347 may be any suitable microprocessor, microcontroller, computer or digital logic controller and may receive inputfrom operator input device 318. Function generator 314 provides theelectric wave form in kilohertz to amplifier 312 and typically operatesat around 450 KHz or above to help minimize corrosion.

[0048] In use, control module 347 receives input from surgical console320. Console 320 may be any commercially available surgical controlconsole such as the LEGACY® SERIES TWENTY THOUSAND® surgical systemavailable from Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, Tex. Console 320 isconnected to handpiece 310 through irrigation line 322 and aspirationline 324, and the flow through lines 322 and 324 is controlled by theuser via footswitch 326. Irrigation and aspiration flow rate informationin handpiece 310 is provided to control module 347 by console 320 viainterface 328, which may be connected to the ultrasound handpiececontrol port on console 320 or to any other output port. Control module347 uses footswitch 326 information provided by console 320 and operatorinput from input device 318 to generate two control signals 330 and 332.Signal 332 is used to operate pinch valve 334, which controls thesurgical fluid flowing from fluid source 336 to handpiece 310. Fluidfrom fluid source 336 is heated in the manner described herein. Signal330 is used to control function generator 314. Based on signal 330,function generator 314 provides a wave form at the operator selectedfrequency and amplitude determined by the position of footswitch 326 toRF amplifier 312 which is amplified to advance the powered wave formoutput to handpiece 310 to create heated, pressurized pulses of surgicalfluid.

[0049] Any of a number of methods can be employed to limit the amount ofheat introduced into the eye. For example, the pulse train duty cycle ofthe heated solution can be varied as a function of the pulse frequencyso that the total amount of heated solution introduced into the eye doesnot vary with the pulse frequency. Alternatively, the aspiration flowrate can be varied as a function of pulse frequency so that as pulsefrequency increases aspiration flow rate increases proportionally.

[0050] FIGS. 15-18 show a preferred embodiment of a container 500 fordelivery of a surgical fluid to an ophthalmic surgical handpiece.Container 500 is described herein as delivering a surgical fluid to aliquefracture handpiece such as liquefracture handpieces 10, 110, 210,or 310. However, container 500 may also be used with other surgicalhandpieces, such as those used in otic or nasal surgery. Container 500is represented by fluid source 336 in FIG. 14. A bottom 516 of container500 is designed to removably engage with a receptacle 508 (FIGS. 19 and20) of surgical console 320.

[0051] Container 500 is preferably a conventional multilayer plasticbottle having a first a first portion or body 510 and a second portionor deformable liner 512 located within first portion 510. Second portion512 is preferably formed from a deformable plastic that is separablefrom first portion 510. By way of example, second portion 512 may beformed of nylon. As another example, second portion 512 may be formed ofan inner layer of polypropylene coupled to an outer layer of ethylenevinyl oxide with an adhesive therebetween. First portion 510 ispreferably formed from a more rigid plastic than used to form secondportion 512. By way of example, first portion 510 may be formed of highdensity polyethylene. As another example, first portion 510 may beformed of polypropylene. Container 500 is preferably formed using aconventional injection molding process. Alternatively, first portion 510may be formed from stainless steel or other relatively rigid,non-plastic material, and second portion 512 may be formed from adeformable material other than plastic.

[0052] First portion 510 generally includes an open mouth 514, a sidewall 518, a first transverse wall 530, and a second transverse wall 536.First transverse wall 530 is formed with an aperture 520. Container 500preferably also has a cap 522 that may be secured to mouth 514. Cap 522is preferably made of aluminum and is crimp sealed to mouth 514.Alternatively, cap 522 may be secured to mouth 514 by way of threads(not shown). Cap 522 preferably includes a rubber stopper 523 having ahole 524 therethrough designed to sealingly receive pumping chambersupply line 117 or 217. Alternatively, mouth 514 of first portion 510may be sealed only by rubber stopper 523.

[0053] Second transverse wall 536 preferably includes an aperture 540that is preferably disposed in the center of container 500, a first side542, and a second side 544. First side 542 also preferably includes arecessed volume 546. Second side 544 preferably includes an annularskirt 548 and at least one raised surface 550. As shown best in FIGS. 16and 18, raised surface 550 preferably has an arc length of about 120degrees. The second side 544 of second transverse wall 536 creates apattern that can be used to identify the particular kind of surgicalfluid held within container 500, and also whether container 500 isengaged within receptacle 508. Although not shown in the FIGS., secondside 544 may be formed with no raised surface 550 or with variouscombinations of multiple raised surfaces 550. For example, two raisedsurfaces 550 may form a continuous raised surface of 240 degrees. Asanother example, three raised surfaces 550 may form a continuous raisedsurface of 360 degrees. One skilled in the art will recognize that,given the 120 degree arc length of raised surface 550 and the possibleangular positions around aperture 540, second side 544 of secondtransverse wall 536 may be formed with seven unique patterns of raisedsurfaces. Each such pattern is representative of a binary signal (e.g.001, 011, 101, 110, 010, 111, 000) where 1 indicates the presence of araised surface and 0 indicates the absence of a raised surface. Ofcourse, if a different arc length is used for each raised surface 550,second side 544 of second transverse wall 536 may be formed with more orless than seven unique patterns of raised surfaces. Three lugs 552 aredisposed on an outer surface of side wall 518 proximate first transversewall 530. Lugs 552 are preferably spaced at 115 degree intervals aroundaperture 540.

[0054] Receptacle 508 generally includes a housing 602, an interior 604,a piston 606, a piston retainer 608, a pressure spine or needle 610, anda plurality of sensors 614. Interior 604 receives bottom 516 ofcontainer 500. The inner surface of interior 604 has three slots 616 foroperative engagement with lugs 552 of container 500. Each of slots 616preferably has a “L”-shaped geometry, with one leg of the “L” extendingin a clockwise direction along the circumference of the inner surface ofinterior 604 for a distance of less than 90 degrees. Piston 606 has aface seal 618 on a front end thereof, and is biased outwardly frominterior 604 by a spring 620 disposed in cavity 622. Piston retainer 608secures piston 606 within interior 604 and is secured to housing 602 viabolts 624. Pressure spine 610 has a sharp tip 626 and a lumen 612 thatis fluidly coupled to a source of pressurized fluid (e.g. pressurizedair) within surgical console 320. Sensors 614 are preferably spaced at120 degree intervals around pressure spine 610 for operative engagementwith raised surfaces 550 of container 500. Each sensor 614 preferablyincludes a plunger 615 that is capable of movement along thelongitudinal axis of housing 602 and that is biased outwardly by aspring 628 mounted on a spring seat 629; a fin 617 coupled to plunger615; and an optical sensor 619 mounted on a printed circuit board 621.An optical path or signal (e.g. beam of light) is formed across thewidth of sensor 614 via dual apertures 623 of optical sensor 619. Anexemplary optical sensor 619 suitable for sensor 614 is the EESJ3Ginterruptive sensor available from Omron Sensors. Alternatively, sensor614 may be a conventional force resistive sensor that measures thedeflection or deflection force of plunger 615. Such a force resistivesensor may be formed without fin 617, optical sensor 619, and printedcircuit board 621. Receptacle 508 is mounted within surgical console 320via mounting bracket 630.

[0055] When a user aligns lugs 552 with slots 616, slides bottom 516 ofcontainer 500 into interior 604, and then twists container 500 in aclockwise direction, container 500 is removably secured withinreceptacle 508. At the same time, the inner surface of annular skirt 548engages the outer surface of piston 606, and piston 606 moves inwardlythrough cavity 622 allowing pressure spine 610 to engage aperture 540 ofsecond transverse wall 536. Recessed volume 546 prevents pressure spine610 from contacting first transverse wall 530 or piercing second portion512 holding the surgical fluid. At portions of second side 544 of secondtransverse wall 536 containing raised surfaces 550, the plunger 615 ofthe corresponding sensor 614 is depressed. If no raised surface 550 ispresent, the plunger 615 of the corresponding sensor 614 is notdepressed, or alternatively is depressed a smaller amount than when araised surface 550 is present. When a plunger 615 of a sensor 614 isdepressed, fin 617 moves between dual apertures 623 of optical sensor619 to break the optical path of sensor 619. Each sensor 614 having aplunger 615 that is depressed combines to generate a binary, electricalsignal representative of a unique pattern of raised surfaces 550 onsecond side 544 of second transverse wall 536 that is transmitted tosurgical console 320 via printed circuit board 621. Control module 347of surgical console 320 may be programmed to associate such electricalsignals with a particular surgical fluid having particular properties(e.g. viscosity, surgical fluid supply pressure). In addition, controlmodule 347 may automatically alter or adjust surgical fluid supplypressure, or other operating parameters of control system 300, surgicalconsole 320, or liquefracture handpiece 10, 110, 210, or 310, as afunction of the particular surgical fluid.

[0056] Once container 500 is engaged within receptacle 508 as describedabove, surgical fluid from container 500 is delivered to liquefracturehandpiece 210 in the following preferred manner. Pressurized air isdelivered from lumen 612 of pressure spine 610, through aperture 540 ofsecond transverse wall 536, and through aperture 520 of first transversewall 530. As shown best in FIG. 21, the pressurized air enters the spacebetween the outer surface of second portion 512 and the inner surface offirst portion 510, separating second portion 512 from first portion 510,and at least partially collapsing second portion 512. The pressurizedair forces the surgical fluid from within second portion 512 tohandpiece 210 via tubing 217.

[0057]FIG. 22 shows a second, preferred embodiment of a container 700for delivery of a surgical fluid to an ophthalmic surgical handpiece.Container 700 is substantially similar to container 500 of FIGS. 15-18,except that container 700 has a single transverse wall 702 having sides704 and 706, instead of two transverse walls 530 and 536. First side 704has a geometry substantially similar to first transverse wall 530 andalso includes recessed volume 546. Second side 706 has a geometrysubstantially similar to second transverse wall 536 without recessedvolume 546. Container 700 is preferably made, and used to deliversurgical fluid to a liquefracture handpiece, in a substantially similarmanner to that described above for container 500.

[0058] From the above, it may be appreciated that the present inventionprovides a simple and reliable apparatus and method of delivering asurgical fluid to a surgical handpiece. The invention further providesan automated way of identifying the particular surgical fluid to beprovided to the handpiece.

[0059] The present invention is illustrated herein by example, andvarious modifications may be made by a person of ordinary skill in theart. For example, second transverse wall 536 of container 500, or secondside 706 of transverse wall 702 of container 700, may be formed withoutaperture 540. In this case, reference numeral 540 indicates thelongitudinal axis of container 500, and sharp tip 626 of pressure spine610 may be formed to pierce second transverse wall 536 or transversewall 702.

[0060] It is believed that the operation and construction of the presentinvention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While theapparatus and methods shown or described above have been characterizedas being preferred, various changes and modifications may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A container for delivery of a surgical fluid to asurgical handpiece, comprising: a first portion made from a deformablematerial and having a closed end, an open end, an outer surface, and afirst volume for receiving a surgical fluid for delivery to a surgicalhandpiece; a second portion made from a material more rigid than saiddeformable material and having a first end, a second end, an outersurface, an inner surface, a first transverse wall, a second transversewall, and a second volume receiving said first portion, said first endhaving an outlet for delivery of said surgical fluid, said firsttransverse wall having an aperture for receiving a pressurized fluidbetween said outer surface of said first portion and said inner surfaceof said second portion, said second transverse wall having first andsecond sides, said second side of said second transverse wall having anarea for removably engaging a source of said pressurized fluid so thatsaid source of said pressurized fluid is in fluid communication withsaid aperture.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein said area of saidsecond side of said second transverse wall is capable of being engagedby a lumen for providing said pressurized fluid.
 3. The container ofclaim 1 wherein said second side of said second transverse wall has ageometry for providing a binary signal indicative of a particular kindof said surgical fluid.
 4. The container of claim 3 wherein saidgeometry comprises at least one raised surface.
 5. The container ofclaim 1 wherein said first portion is at least partially separable fromsaid second portion when said surgical fluid is discharged from saidfirst volume.
 6. The container of claim 1 further comprising: a stopperdisposed in said outlet of said second portion; and tubing sealinglydisposed within said stopper and in fluid communication with said firstvolume.
 7. The container of claim 1 further comprising a plurality oflugs disposed on an outer surface of said second portion for alignmentand operative engagement with a receptacle in a surgical console.
 8. Thecontainer of claim 1 wherein said first side of said second transversewall defines a third volume between said second transverse wall and saidfirst transverse wall.
 9. A container for delivery of a surgical fluidto a surgical handpiece, comprising: a first portion made from adeformable material and having a closed end, an open end, an outersurface, and a first volume for receiving a surgical fluid for deliveryto a surgical handpiece; a second portion made from a material morerigid than said deformable material and having a first end, a secondend, an outer surface, an inner surface, a transverse wall having afirst side and a second side, and a second volume receiving said firstportion, said first end having an outlet for delivery of said surgicalfluid, said first side of said transverse wall having an aperture forreceiving a pressurized fluid between said outer surface of said firstportion and said inner surface of said second portion, said second sideof said transverse wall having an area for removably engaging a sourceof said pressurized fluid so that said source of said pressurized fluidis in fluid communication with said aperture.
 10. The container of claim9 wherein said area of said second side of said transverse wall iscapable of being engaged by a lumen for providing said pressurizedfluid.
 11. The container of claim 9 wherein said second side of saidtransverse wall has a geometry for providing a binary signal indicativeof a particular kind of said surgical fluid.
 12. The container of claim11 wherein said geometry comprises at least one raised surface.
 13. Thecontainer of claim 9 wherein said first portion is at least partiallyseparable from said second portion when said surgical fluid isdischarged from said first volume.
 14. The container of claim 9 furthercomprising: a stopper disposed in said outlet of said second portion;and tubing sealingly disposed within said stopper and in fluidcommunication with said first volume.
 15. The container of claim 9further comprising a plurality of lugs disposed on an outer surface ofsaid second portion for alignment and operative engagement with areceptacle in a surgical console.
 16. The container of claim 9 whereinsaid first side of said transverse wall defines a third volume betweensaid transverse wall and said closed end of said first portion.
 17. Acontainer for delivery of a surgical fluid to a surgical handpiece,comprising: a deformable liner having a first volume for receiving asurgical fluid for delivery to a surgical handpiece; a body having asecond volume receiving said deformable liner, an open mouth, a firsttransverse wall having an aperture disposed therethrough, a secondtransverse wall having first and second sides, said second side of saidsecond transverse wall having an area for removably engaging a source ofpressurized fluid so that said source of said pressurized fluid is influid communication with said aperture and a space between said body andsaid liner.
 18. The container of claim 17 wherein said second side ofsaid second transverse wall has a geometry for providing a binary signalindicative of a particular kind of said surgical fluid.
 19. A containerfor delivery of a surgical fluid to a surgical handpiece, comprising: adeformable liner having a first volume for receiving a surgical fluidfor delivery to a surgical handpiece; a body having a second volumereceiving said deformable liner, an open mouth, a transverse wall havinga first side, a second side, and an aperture disposed therethrough, saidsecond side of said transverse wall having an area for removablyengaging a source of pressurized fluid so that said source of saidpressurized fluid is in fluid communication with said aperture and aspace between said body and said liner.
 20. The container of claim 19wherein said second side of said transverse wall has a geometry forproviding a binary signal indicative of a particular kind of saidsurgical fluid.
 21. A system for delivering a surgical fluid to aliquefracture handpiece, comprising: a liquefracture handpiece having apumping chamber; a container having: a first portion made from adeformable material and having a closed end, an open end, an outersurface, and a first volume for receiving a surgical fluid for deliveryto a surgical handpiece; a second portion made from a material morerigid than said deformable material and having a first end, a secondend, an outer surface, an inner surface, a first transverse wall, asecond transverse wall, and a second volume receiving said firstportion, said first end having an outlet for delivery of said surgicalfluid, said first transverse wall having an aperture for receiving apressurized fluid between said outer surface of said first portion andsaid inner surface of said second portion, said second transverse wallhaving first and second sides, said second side of said secondtransverse wall having an area for removably engaging a source of saidpressurized fluid so that said source of said pressurized fluid is influid communication with said aperture; a surgical console containingsaid source of said pressurized fluid and having a receptacle forremovably receiving said container, said receptacle having a lumen forfluidly coupling said source of said pressurized fluid with said area ofsaid second side of said second transverse wall; and tubing fluidlycoupling said outlet of said second portion with said liquefracturehandpiece; whereby when said surgical console provides said pressurizedfluid from said lumen, said pressurized fluid flows through saidaperture and between said outer surface of said first portion and saidinner surface of said second portion, and said surgical fluid isdelivered to said pumping chamber by said tubing.
 22. The system ofclaim 21 wherein said pressurized fluid is air.
 23. The system of claim21 wherein said second side of said second transverse wall has ageometry for providing a binary signal indicative of a particular kindof said surgical fluid.
 24. The system of claim 23 wherein said geometrycomprises at least one raised surface.
 25. The system of claim 23wherein said receptable comprises a plurality of sensors for operativelyengaging said geometry for providing a binary signal indicative of aparticular kind of said surgical fluid.
 26. The system of claim 21further comprising a plurality of lugs disposed on an outer surface ofsaid second portion for alignment and operative engagement with aplurality of slots in said receptacle.
 27. The system of claim 26wherein said lugs and slots cooperate to removably secure said containerto said receptacle.
 28. A system for delivering a surgical fluid to aliquefracture handpiece, comprising: a liquefracture handpiece having apumping chamber; a container having: a first portion made from adeformable material and having a closed end, an open end, an outersurface, and a first volume for receiving a surgical fluid for deliveryto a surgical handpiece; a second portion made from a material morerigid than said deformable material and having a first end, a secondend, an outer surface, an inner surface, a transverse wall having afirst side and a second side, and a second volume receiving said firstportion, said first end having an outlet for delivery of said surgicalfluid, said first side of said transverse wall having an aperture forreceiving a pressurized fluid between said outer surface of said firstportion and said inner surface of said second portion, said second sideof said transverse wall having an area for removably engaging a sourceof said pressurized fluid so that said source of said pressurized fluidis in fluid communication with said aperture; a surgical consolecontaining said source of said pressurized fluid and having a receptaclefor removably receiving said container, said receptacle having a lumenfor fluidly coupling said source of said pressurized fluid with saidarea of said second side of said transverse wall; and tubing fluidlycoupling said outlet of said second portion with said liquefracturehandpiece; whereby when said surgical console provides said pressurizedfluid from said lumen, said pressurized fluid flows through saidaperture and between said outer surface of said first portion and saidinner surface of said second portion, and said surgical fluid isdelivered to said pumping chamber by said tubing.
 29. The system ofclaim 28 wherein said pressurized fluid is air.
 30. The system of claim28 wherein said second side of said transverse wall has a geometry forproviding a binary signal indicative of a particular kind of saidsurgical fluid.
 31. The system of claim 30 wherein said geometrycomprises at least one raised surface.
 32. The system of claim 30wherein said receptacle comprises a plurality of sensors for operativelyengaging said geometry for providing a binary signal indicative of aparticular kind of said surgical fluid.
 33. The system of claim 28further comprising a plurality of lugs disposed on an outer surface ofsaid second portion for alignment and operative engagement with aplurality of slots in said receptacle.
 34. The system of claim 33wherein said lugs and slots cooperate to removably secure said containerto said receptacle.